Luna Rossa returns to Italy

Luna Rossa Challenge is to set up a new base in Cagliari in the south of Sardinia, in its preparations to challenge for the 35th America’s Cup, mostly like to take place in the summer of 2017.

The work to install the base will begin in the coming weeks and it is expected that it will be operating as early as March. From May onwards the sailing team will start training on the water.

Patrizio Bertelli, President of Luna Rossa Challenge, commented: “We chose Cagliari because the weather conditions in this bay are ideal for training with catamarans. The city of Cagliari also offers excellent logistic solutions and has given us a particularly warm welcome. We are very pleased, after several years abroad, to have the team base back in Italy again.”

The President of the Regione Sardegna, Ugo Cappellacci, said: “With Luna Rossa, Sardinia is projected on the international stage. With its sea, framed by a city, this area of the island is an ideal place for sailing, not only from a technical point of view but also for its striking beauty.”

The Mayor of Cagliari, Massimo Zedda, added: “We are honoured by Luna Rossa’s choice. I am sure that Cagliari and its citizens will give the team the welcome it deserves: we already started to breathe the enthusiasm when the first rumours spread regarding the possible arrival of Luna Rossa; we are strongly aware of the significant return that Cagliari will receive, in terms of image, for its beautiful seashore and for all that the city can offer. Our warmest welcome to all of the Luna Rossa team."

The President of the Port Authority, Piergiorgio Massidda, said: “The announcement of Patrizio Bertelli to choose Cagliari as base for the team Luna Rossa honours us and repays us for the work conducted in recent years to improve the conditions of our city and to make it a reference for international sailing. This is a unique opportunity, not only for the city but for the whole area which will be recognized at an international level. I am pleased therefore to take this opportunity to welcome the whole team Luna Rossa."